A brown ash Wilmington Quicksteps trophy bat dated 1866. Exhibiting many ball marks, depressions and other signs of general handling on the barrel, along with a string grip, suggests the bat was game used prior to being adorned with a painted design and inscription. In addition, the bat’s handle, barrel and knob dimensions are consistent baseball bats from that era. The inscription reads QUICKSTEP vs TELEGRAPH, July 14th, 1866, at SMYRNA, 113 SCORE 11, W.H. CUMMINGS (15). The 15 perhaps refer to Cumming’s hit total. In addition to being authenticated by PSA/DNA, the bat has been examined by McCrone Associates of Westmont, IL, who specialize in material analysis. Their findings confirm that all materials (paint and varnish) are consistent and date circa 1866.
40 7/8 in., 26.4 oz.